President
Buhari has shared his 2019 Christmas message with Nigerians saying, ‘I
felicitate with our Christian brothers and sisters in particular, and all
Nigerians in general, on the joyous occasion of Christmas of the year 2019’.
He went on
to say, ‘as Christendom commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, I enjoin all
Nigerians to imbibe and demonstrate the essence of the season of love; goodwill
among all the ethnic groups in the country; giving and sharing; strengthening
the bonds of brotherhood and good neighbourliness; and focusing on all that
bind us together as one united country’.
I,
therefore, urge our compatriots to shun all actions which negate the spirit of
the season.
However,
celebrating the spirit and virtues of Christmas need not be a one-day affair,
but rather, ought to continue into the New Year.
It is in
line with the spirit of Christmas that I call on all elements whose actions are
opposed to what the season represents, especially, insurgents, terrorists,
armed robbers, kidnappers and economic saboteurs, to retrace their steps and
join people of goodwill and common humanity.
If they fail
to heed this call, they will meet their end as the armed forces, security and
law-enforcement agencies are poised now to confront and defeat them.
Our people
must make extra efforts to live in peace and harmony with their neighbours,
irrespective of differences.
While it is
gladdening to note that incidents of violence and conflicts have reduced
drastically owing to the several operations embarked on by our security
agencies, we must not let our guards down.
As Christmas
indicates good tidings of hope and redemption, Nigerians can look forward to a
turnaround in the administration’s priority areas of fighting corruption,
providing security, economic diversification, job creation and infrastructure
upgrade.
Having
recently signed the 2020 Appropriation Bill into Law, I reiterate my promise
during the presentation of the Budget Proposals before the National Assembly on
October 8, 2019 that, “We remain resolutely committed to the actualization of
our vision of a bright and prosperous future for all Nigerians.”
The 2020
Budget of Sustainable Growth and Job Creation will be rigorously implemented to
further deepen its impact on the generality of our people.
Let me use
this occasion to once more thank the leadership and members of the National Assembly
for the speedy consideration and passage of the 2020 Budget Proposals.
We are
confident that this new era of cordiality and cooperation between the executive
and the legislature will fast-track our collective commitment to giving our
people better life and governance.
As we
celebrate Christmas, let us remember to pray for members of our armed forces
and other security agencies who are making so much sacrifice to protect us from
people of evil intent. We should also extend love to the families of those
whose bread-winners made the ultimate sacrifice while defending their
fatherland.
I appeal to
motorists to drive with care this festive season, while road safety and
security officials should ensure compliance with safety measures to avoid
needless accidents and attendant loss of life and property.
I wish you a
Merry Christmas, and a more fulfilling New Year 2020.
Muhammadu
Buhari
President,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
December 24,
2019